Bob! I'm really sorry I missed ya! The dog ate my homework... I was truly trying, but the Japanese Taiko drummers at the Botanic Garden went longer than I thought... and we didn't leave there till 1:45.... so instead of Fred's my son who needs to practice driving and I went to Captain Porky's on US 41 and Wadsworth Rd. I don't know if any of you have checked this place out yet, but it is like cajun seafood heaven. Son A had a "snack" of 1/2 lb fried jumbo shrimp with steak fries and slaw and cornbread. I had a lobster salad po-boy with garlic potatoes and a frosty libation- yum yum - not too far from an east coast lobster roll (except the wrong kind of bread) the bread was good- just not the authentic top slit hot dog bun thing... EVerything looked amazing in the seafood case. There is a BBQ case, which... the chicken looked OK...it smelled smoky.... I didn't try anything so I won't say anything- I'm kind of BBQ spoiled since when I make it, I take it off the smoker at the moment of perfection.http://www.captainporky.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=9

Getting together with friends is one thing, traveling all the way to Fred's is another. After driving over an hour to get there, I was extremely disappointed. It is a small, overrated, disorganized bar with very average food that somehow developed a cult following. Absolutely no redeeming qualities above this place.

It's that time of year again: Irish Fest and Fred's weekend is August 16 & 17.

Friday the 16th is $5 admission day at Irish Fest. Saturday the 17th is Fred's day, followed by activities TBD. If the Irish Fest entertainment roster is strong, we'll go back there. If it's an off year, we'll find something else to do in the Greater Milwaukee Area.

I could maybe do something Friday (not sure how interested I am in Irish Fest. I guess I haven't been there in a few years, so maybe, if everyone else is doing it, why not?) But we're out for Saturday- going on a tour of the Two Brothers Roundhouse as a fundraiser for the Unity Temple in Oak Park.

I know people have talked about a Greendale tour, which kind of puzzles me, as it won't take too very long to do a "tour".

However, I am offering Greendale as a stop for a few hours to kill on Saturday, if it's a "no-Irish-Fest" Day. It's their 75th Anniversary year, so there's constantly things going on. We'll just miss their Village Days celebration, though.

Ferch's Old Fashioned Malt Shoppe for marble slab ice cream, or sundaes, or shake or malts....

Ricardo's for what will always be one of my favorite pizzas.

Shopping in any of the quaint little stores up and down Broad St.

A visit to say "Hi" to Norman Rockwell, who has set up an easel across from the Courthouse and is busily painting; year in, year out.

Libations at what will be the very-newly-opened Panther Pub.

If we get all dressy and feel like spending some serious cash, Joey Gerard's, a Bartolotta restaurant and modern Supper Club, is next to Ricardo's.

A visit to the Historical Society

A drive around town to look at the historical houses (although we won't be able to go in to any of them).

I'd certainly be up for a few stops in Greendale if Irish Fest turns out to be a dud. Maybe even a return trip to that Greek Fest if it's going on that weekend. And don't rule out a nightcap at Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall.

The 17th works for me for Fred's. Won't be joining you for Irish Fest, though, either Fri or Sat. The Greendale thing sounds fun. It's not a big time/money investment and would make for a relaxing afternoon.

Fred's at 1:30-2:00 per usual works for us. After that I'll leave it up to the locals.

I'll check the Irish Fest website for early indications of whether or not we'll be attending Saturday.

Any news, Buddy?

Either early (around 11) or late (after 2) works for me. A late start avoids the lunch rush and those without plans can dawdle if they wish, but it also means that others might have to rush off after eating because of other plans. Alternatively, an 11am start gets us in before the rush and allows for a wider variety of activities afterward (I understand that some of you like frozen custard), but it also means an early start for those coming from a distance. I happen to have my own little agenda for the day...

If you think I'm going to be in Burlington, WI at 11am, you haven't been paying attention these last few years. We'll shoot for 1:30.

Adrian's has been a curiosity every time we go to Fred's. We just can't seem to muster the strength to go there after a Fred's Burger. Maybe this year will be different.

Still not sure about our "After-Fred's" plans, but the group shouldn't worry about us. If Greendale is the destination, you should stick with it, whether we're in attendance or not. We might even do both; hang out in Greendale early, and head over to Irish Fest later. Last year, we played it by ear and found ourselves at a neighborhood GreekFest, shopping at the new Cermak's grocery store, then wrapping up with dinner at a Thai BBQ Joint. All in all, not a bad day.

Looks like ChickenLips has plans of his own: Washing down a Fred's Burger with an Annie's CharcoBurger. Not a bad plan, actually.

Buddy, Going to I Fest on Friday. At 8:30, Banjo 3 is a "must see." Saw them last week at Chief O'Neill's in Chicago. Fantastic! One of the top three rated Irish bands in the world and worth seeing again. Having dinner at the Jake's concession. Last week at state fair, Jake's served Reuben's on a Stick ( two mini sandwiches made with shredded corned beef, blended with sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a mini onion roll) .Hope they serve them at I Fest. See you on Friday.

P.S. CSD, we'll get there in time for the $5 entrance fee and start out under the rainbow arch near the Information Booth. If you miss us, we'll keep an eye peeled. Banjo 3 sounds like a good bet, so if nothing else we'll see you at their stage at 8:30.

Not sure what you're seeing; everything seems to be in order on my screen.

Be that as it may, The plan is to meet at Fred's this Saturday, between 1:30-2:00pm. After that we could head back to Irish Fest, or possibly a tour of Greendale, or any number of other activities in and around Milwaukee.

Response to this year's Fred's excursion has been rather light. We know JRPfeff and Pie Diva will not be there. ScreamingChicken and I have made firm commitments. I think X1 and cjucoder are planning to attend, but haven't heard from them in a while. After that, you're the first person to respond one way or the other. Maybe someone could put the word out on Facebook and direct the group's attention this way.